Hitchcock on Game 4: ‘If this thing goes 2-2, then it’s who’s got the best bus and who’s got the best plane’

Blogging while watching Pittsburgh-Philadelphia turning out to be very difficult. Eight goals so far and easily could be another dirty dozen night on the scoreboard.

Shifting focus back to San Jose and St. Louis . . .

Tomorrow’s print edition story looks at Game 4 through Ryane Clowe’s eyes and he sees it as a pretty crucial crossroads.

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“We know we don’t want to get behind 3-1 against them and going back to their building,” Ryane Clowe. “I wouldn’t say it’s an absolute must win, but it’s as close as you get, I guess.”

What about the Blues? Well, Barret Jackman had the expected response, that they really liked the idea of being able to close out the series at home on Saturday, and the only way that happens is with a St. Louis victory here tomorrow night.

I also ran the question past coach Ken Hitchcock, and, as he often does, he looked at the really big picture.

“If this thing goes 2-2, then it’s who’s got the best bus and who’s got the best plane – and that’s not good for either team,” the Blues coach said, referring to the added travel that comes with an extended series. “They want this thing going where they can start taking it over — and we’re looking at it as it gets scary after tomorrow.

“You’re talking long flights, not much sleep, every second day. And who’s got the best plane, who’s got the best bus.”

Then he referred back to past playoff series between the Sharks and one of his former teams, the Dallas Stars.

“I was in a lot of series (with San Jose), coming in and out of Dallas and they were not easy series,” Hitchcock said. “When they got to games 5, 6, and 7 they were not easy – for players, for coaches, for sleep patterns. And they really impacted the next series.

“They’re looking to get it back and get us out,” he concluded, “and we’re looking to get out of the travel part because that’s a new animal for us, too.”

*****I also asked Hitchcock how much credibility he put in the apparent lineup and line changes by the Sharks.

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“A lot,” he said, “because it’s pretty traumatic when you go on a fifth line at this time of the year. You’re a proud player and you want to play.”

That, of course, would be an apparent reference to Dominic Moore and TJ Galiardi, who seem to be losing their spots to Michal Handzus and Brad Winchester.

“I know Michal very well,” Hitchcock added. “He’s a proud guy and I think you’re going to get 100 percent from him. I think everybody here knows Winchester so they have a lot of respect for Brad.”

*****In addition to the lineup changes, McLellan’s adjustments Wednesday included moving Patrick Marleau to the center spot between Ryane Clowe and Marty Havlat.

The switch, McLellan said, should enable Marleau, who has been scoreless in the series, “to use his size through the middle, his size and speed” all over the ice.

“When he’s a winger, he has a tendency to play on just one-third of the ice surface,” the coach added. “That doesn’t happen all the time because in our system you’re allowed to wander. But he’s a big man and he’s a strong man and he can get to places because he can skate well.”

Somehow, between the lines, I’m hearing a coach quietly faulting a player for not taking advantage of the system he plays in. But maybe that’s just me.

*****The Sharks have stressed during the two days off between games that they need to show more composure and stay out of the penalty box as the Blues have scored five power play goals in 13 opportunities.

“We need to avoid the dumb ones,” defenseman Dan Boyle said.

From the Blues’ perspective, coach Ken Hitchcock said he’s concerned about his team becoming over-reliant on the special-teams edge.

“I just don’t want us to get in a position where we’re depending on the power play to win us hockey games because then you’re waiting for them to screw up,” Hitchcock said. “At the end of the day, 5-on-5 play is going to end up deciding the series.”

Though the Blues have outscored the Sharks 9-6 over the three games, but each team has scored four even-strength goals.

*****Injured Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak stayed off the ice Wednesday. Brian Elliott will get the start in Game 4 with rookie Jake Allen serving as back-up.

*****The Sharks have recalled goalie Harri Sateri from their Worcester farm club to serve as a practice netminder for the duration of the playoffs. Other players are coming as well now that the AHL development team’s season has ended without a playoff spot, but no other names have been passed along yet.

*****Brad Winchester plays a physical style so it seemed natural to ask him what he thought of the mayhem and dangerous hits in the playoffs this season.

“It’s going to be amped up in the playoffs, but as players you have to be able to walk that line of being intense and being smart,” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense to go out and take a bunch of penalties.”

But does he shake his head at some of the things that have been going on.?

Pause.

“No comment,” he said with a small smile.

David Pollak

David Pollak has been following the NHL forever and at the Mercury News as an editor or reporter since 1987. For almost a decade he wrote about the Sharks as the paper's Fan in the Stands before joining the sports department in 2001. He became the Sharks beat writer before the 2007-08 season and began this blog at that time. You can also follow him on Twitter at @PollakOnSharks.

The switch, McLellan said, should enable Marleau, who has been scoreless in the series, “to use his size through the middle, his size and speed” all over the ice.

“When he’s a winger, he has a tendency to play on just one-third of the ice surface,” the coach added. “That doesn’t happen all the time because in our system you’re allowed to wander. But he’s a big man and he’s a strong man and he can get to places because he can skate well.”

Somehow, between the lines, I’m hearing a coach quietly faulting a player for not taking advantage of the system he plays in. But maybe that’s just me.

**********************************
Lol. Fault the system for his lack of production? Are you kidding me TM? This is Patty’s post season disappearing act as usual. Don’t you get it yet?

2Teal4You

Hondr just handed 2Teal his A on a platter.

Really??? Cool.

Keep talking about meltdowns and pr departments. Your on a role today.

–follow this up with chants of a pr employee melting down no doubt, hammer it home–

ZEKE

@5 — I think TMc was faulting Marleau — not the system.

did like Doc Emrick’s comment about the 10-3 score between Pitt and philly — looks like a Steelers-eagles score …

MLBSF

Well 2Teal,

I already informed Buddy Elf that I simply cannot wait for his end of the season Sharks analysis/meltdown/emotional train wreck of a press release.

That goes for you too. In particular, I can’t wait to hear you talk your way out of your earlier doozy of a comment where you praised players who state they believe in the system the Sharks continue to run.

Even though anyone with eyes can see it’s a complete bust and a failure. 29th PK out of 30 teams?

Yea but we can’t reinvent the wheel. Right 2Teal?

Scum Bum

Why anyone responds to MLBSF is beyond comprehension.

Clemenza

Hitchock’s a great coach, & I do respect him, but that ‘opening the Polak door’ comment pissed me off….

…the Pear.

Stevo

Scum Bum,

It’s because he’s such a master baiter. Many cannot control themselves.

Stevo

Clemenza,

The Pear?? 😉 Take it easy on us elderly, portly types, eh?

Long Time No Cup

Dear Bdub,

I had the exact thought about the changing of the guard. Somehow it seems more comforting to be part of a major geo-political shift.

Ick! Roenick looks like something NBC picked up at the pound, bathed, put into a Salvation Army suit, and sent to supercuts late this afternoon.

Tom Q. While I remember the Maki-Green episode and now that you mention it do recall his “that MF was crazy” defense. I know who presidents 2 and 6 were, but was not able to vote for either of them. I think hitting an opponent over the head with a hockey stick is reason for a long suspension, even if it doesn’t cave the guy’s skull in sending him into convulsions on the ice.

Scum Bum

Stevo,

Good one.

JohnM

Well said Scum Bum!

2Teal4You

Didn’t make a single comment about their system. But it’s not the first time you have fabricated a supposed comment, not that you’d ever admit to it. Remember your failed predictions? Of course not.

I’m done clowning around with you “nightshift”. See you at the game tomorrow right?

renoshark

“but that ‘opening the Polak door’ comment pissed me off….”

Clemenza,

Yeah, me too. If fact, I wouldn’t object to seeing Clowe kicking down the Polak door before this series is over.

Buddy Elf

“Why anyone responds to MLBSF is beyond comprehension.”

LOL… joining him in the repeating the same thing over and over?

Scum Bum

Why anyone responds to Buddy Elf is beyond comprehension.

Giants Fan since 67′

Funny. I remember this idiot MLBSF kid back in 2010 using the word “pollyana” and PR Dept about the SF GIANTS and them sneaking into the Playoffs. He said the Giants were better off missing the playoffs and focusing on getting players that can hit in the clutch. When the Giants beat Atlanta he said it was god awful lucky and they would be doomed by playing Philly. Then he went on to say how Texas would run the Giants because of their hitting and the Giants weak hitting. When the Giants won the World Series he came back saying how he is the Giants biggest fan and knew they were contenders. He is full of it. He made “bet” after “bet” about how he will be right about the GIANTS LOSING and they didnt. LMAO what a clown!!!

Buddy Elf

LOL cum bum… isn’t that a response? Consistently inconsistent.

Too much Ewwwwww

Glad PM off top line about time coach! not for same reason as the haters…but i think he is a roll player, when he is on the wing he acts like a wing, even though he does not have to be in our system, so make him a center…dont care if its 2nd or 3rd line, he needs to use entire ice! Would rather see it 9-12-57…but that leaves ugggh for lines though 10-29-34 might not be bad if did not leave 17-68-10/26….18-29-34 might be decent too though do not want to see 37 any moore in playoffs!

Think going big is a good move should have been made last game! They may be fast but dont really play that way, if a bigger tilt in speed gets them out of their system thats good for us!

Make it 2-2 boys! You can do it!

MamaShark

I so hate to root for the Kings… but here I am doing just that. I just hate the Canucks more. Though it may be tough, I would like to see the brooms come out in the Staples Center. And the Senators winning so they are even in the series with the rangers. Unbelievable playoff this season. Wouldn’t it be great if all the #1 teams were sent home by the #8 teams?

Can’t wait for the game tomorrow night. I would love to see an more aggressive game plan by the coaches and the line changes they are talking about. TEAM EFFORT BOYS! STAY hungry!! Play Smart, Play Fast!!

Clemenza

No offense meant, sirs. I’ll resemble that remark, eventually. : )

Rooting for Vancouver tonight & for a couple of games more. I want to see these teams beat the snot out of each other for 7 & THEN go to the 2nd round.

Scott peterson

@7 zeke

They both stink

Stevo

Clemenza,

Very well said… I’m rooting for all LA games to go 4X OT at the very least, with multiple minor injuries.

Same goes for the PHX/CHI series.

MLBSF

Oh well it won’t be so bad if Vancouver wins tonight. This series is too much fun to end in only 4 games.

He might grab a dictionary an learn a concept that he has accidentally earned a Ph.D in —hypocrisy.

Buddy Elf

LOL… It seems like there is an ever growing list of things that are beyond your comprehension.

Must be why you don’t contribute anything hockey to the conversation here.

Your passive-aggressive responses are quite pathetic though.

Scum Bum

LTNC,

Are you saying that JR is an insult to shelter pets, or simply that he looks like a cleaned-up dog catcher?

Cant We All Just Get Along?

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Buddy Elf

BTW, you must not have really looked up the definition of hypocrisy, because the popular misuse of the term, does not make it the proper definition.

Then again, let’s just add that to the list of things that are beyond comprehension for you.

NB Finfan

I was going to say that after listening to LA and Van coaches cry and wine through last years playoffs that Hitchcock sounds refreshing. I guess I missed the “open door” comment.

ZEKE

oh well, canucks won a game. Still looks like LA to me, they had a lot of opportunities, but not a lot of puck luck. Not cashing in on the penalty shot changed the game.

Long Time No Cup

SB: He’s an insult to cleaned up dogcatchers.

Clowe’s Backhand

So does anyone have stats on Patrick Marleaus production on the seperate lines?

MLBSF is only getting angrier with every Shark win, he has been touring all the golf courses in CA and intentionally putting divets into them, only to be fined and having to pay over $4 a gallon in his beater. He won’t rest until a Shark says, “whos the Idiotic irregardless anti-pollyanna kool-aid drinking curmudgeon monkey who cant’t golf,” or shut his trap. =D

Hatrick Marleau

@37,

I like Marleau better at center. He and Havlat can use their speed to create chances. I’m not so sure Clowe should be on the line with them. He is slow and a faster play would probably help. Maybe Wingels or Mitchell can play with him.

Hatrick Marleau

*player=play

Giants fan since 67′,

LOL!! Now if you could only find some posts of that.

Clowe’s Backhand

I agree, Patty seems to be more “visible” to me, when he is not on the top line.

Something beyond my comprehension is the fact there have not been many Blues trolls here. There are antagonistic internet tough guys. Sure the internet allows you to use intellect over muscle. Get over yourself because you have been proven wrong and are not entertaining, don’t quit your dayjob-because people still need you to get their coffee baseballbuddy.

MLBSF

Clowe’s Backhand says:
April 18th, 2012 at 10:53 pm

MLBSF is only getting angrier with every Shark win,

———–

It would seem to me the Sharks would need to win first before your ridiculous accusation can be true.

Yet one more thing to add to the list of dumb comments from the publicity department.
.
.
.
.
Giants Fan since 67′ says:
April 18th, 2012 at 7:57 pm

Funny. I remember this idiot MLBSF kid back in 2010 using the word “pollyana” and PR Dept about the SF GIANTS and them sneaking into the Playoffs.
————

Well that’s an entertaining story, but unfortunately most of it is untrue, except for my complaints about the Giants hitting which had been god-awful until Posey arrived at the beginning of summer.

For one thing, I only started referring to the PR Dept recently, and only on this board.

But if you can find any of those alleged comments, I would be happy to see them.

*crickets*

chazworth

Clowe’s backhand:

Blues fan here. Your own trolls seem to keep you guys busy enough.

Can’t wait til the puck drops tomorrow! See you in St. Louis Saturday.

Sharkzzzzzzzzzzz

Blues fan-

Get the f!!k out of here!

Go chase a squirrel.

Go sharks!

cerise

MLBSF, in my view, is emblematic of the problems with many Sharks fans. Too busy advertising the wrong sport and the wrong city.

MLBSF: I bet you wear a Giants hat to Sharks games.

Sharkzzzzzzzzzzz

@44

What does corsi say to your point about the overall problem with sharks fans.

I think the biggest problem is fans forming opinions based off useless stats.

Just saying

Rose

*rolls eyes*

Now I remember why I’ve been skipping most of the comments section.

Thank you so much David for all your posts and articles, you and Mark.

Rose

Had to google to figure out what the reference was to ‘opening the Polak door’ comment by Hitchcock. For anyone else who doesn’t know, here’s what I found…..

“Combine one angry Roman Polak with one great quote from Ken Hitchcock and you have Internet gold. After Polak unleashed his aggression on Justin Braun’s face in Game 2, Hitchcock stated, “Don’t open the Roman Polak Door. Don’t ever open that door”. Fans took the quote and ran with it, making various images and posters that bring Hitchcock’s quote to life. If you made or saw one that wasn’t included leave a comment below. **Some images expand to larger sizes if you click on them**”

Got this tidbit from there, “Jaroslav Halak will not play in Game 4 as he recovers from an ankle injury he suffered in Game 2. Halak has skated but has yet to return to regular practice for the Blues. While he is expected to miss Game 4, the Blues have insisted the injury isn’t serious and that Halak is day-to-day.”